A look ahead at themes and ministries in January and February:
Some art museums like to welcome kids. In Los Angeles, one museum would provide a “can you find it” worksheet, with questions like: “in gallery 3b, can you find the painting with both moon and sun?” If we were to provide a similar worksheet for Sunday worship, we’d ask: “In the scripture readings, where does it mention light?” It’ll be there maybe every Sunday, from now through mid-February. For example, January 11, in Isaiah God says to his Servant:
I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
Light illuminates a path. There may be darkness all around – we’re living in scary times – but there’s a way forward. Light releases us from dungeons, even captivity to fear. At a recent council meeting, we reflected on the vocation of this congregation and the Fall focus on Martin Luther’s Freedom of a Christian. We like the image of a path; FLC as a people freed, redeemed and on the way, walking together:
- From isolation to connection – we want to be a warm neighborhood hub for human connection across generations;
- From settled to unsettled – learning to identify and associate with immigrants, the homeless and disinfranchised;
- From measuring up to being beloved – in the Palo Alto stress on high expectations and achievement, learning to live from God’s delight in us, without regard to distinctions, successes, failures.
- From machine to human – Screens are everywhere and A.I. is advancing. Many of us work in tech; we find ways to keep life human.
- From fast to slow – Schedules are overloaded. We find ways to slow down, pause, pay attention, reflect, rest.
These are some of the themes FLC people have brought up in recent conversations. We’ll share more soon, and work together to better articulate our congregation’s sense of vocation. For now, here some opportunities in January and February:
- We are planning another fun birding outting for January 24!
- We’re reading The Cost of Ambition, a little book that challenges basic cultural values of competition and “keeping up with the Joneses.”
- On February 8 there will be a congregational meeting after worship to set a budget for 2026 and to look at funding challenges for the years ahead. Thanks to the Finance Team for all their work on this!
- “Called to Care” partner for extra giving will be ReconcilingWorks, which advocates for full inclusion of LGBTQ+ and all people in congregational life. We plan to update our statement of welcome – you’ll hear more soon.
- At the 9am Slow Read, we’re entering the second half of John’s Gospel, known as “The Book of Glory.”
- A wonderful Yonsei Alumni Music Concert around the theme of love, for Valentines Day (February 14)!
